Board Approves New TA and Police Sergeant

on August 13, 2014

There was a lot of swearing during the Rochester Board of Selectmen meeting on August 11– swearing-in, that is.

Rochester officially welcomed and appointed its new town administrator, Michael McCue, who stood before Town Clerk and Selectman Naida Parker, right hand raised, promising to do his duty for the Town of Rochester during his first selectmen’s meeting as a full-time employee at Town Hall.

Parker also swore-in Rochester’s newest police sergeant, Sergeant Kevin Flynn, in front of about a dozen of his fellow officers and family members.

Rochester Police Chief Paul Magee introduced Flynn as a highly qualified officer with a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice from Stonehill College, who has been serving the Town of Rochester as a patrolman since he graduated in May of 2005.

“We were fortunate enough to scoop him up,” said Magee, listing Flynn’s contributions to the Town of Rochester in his capacity as a D.A.R.E. officer, a certified school resource officer, head of the firearms licensing department and Bad Check Program, as well as other safety programs within the community.

According to Magee, Flynn’s most recent accomplishment was the overhaul of the entire firearms training program, and Flynn has satisfied all the steps for the promotion to sergeant required by law.

After Flynn completed taking his oath, Flynn’s wife Susie pinned the new badge onto her husband’s uniform and those in attendance applauded the new sergeant.

Later in the meeting, McCue’s town administrator report brought the board up to date on some new projects McCue has been pursuing since his transition to Rochester from the Town of Avon.

McCue showed the board an example of the Wright Express (WEX) card for which he is applying on behalf of the Town to use as a credit card for fuel purchases and vehicle repairs only. He said, so far, he has also met with most of the town department heads, with the exception of a couple.

McCue mingled with various board, committee, and commission members and chairmen just before the Board of Selectmen meeting began on the same evening during a casual “meet and greet the new town administrator” in the meeting room at Town Hall.

Also in the works, McCue is planning to hold monthly meetings with department heads tentatively on the last Tuesday of each month, and he said he has also requested that department heads provide him with monthly summaries of important activities and key issues from the previous month.

“So you’re not caught unaware in case something is questioned in public,” McCue told the board.

McCue stated that he is also in contact with the Massachusetts Office of the Inspector General regarding procurement policy, the purchasing of goods and services for the Town, and ways to simplify procurement processes, adding that it has become “very difficult and complicated” lately. McCue told the board it is best to not find themselves “in the middle of an audit … with files floating around…”

McCue said he is still pursuing ways the Southeastern Regional Planning & Economic Development District (SRPEDD) could benefit the Town of Rochester, and McCue will be meeting with the SRPEDD director and other SRPEDD staff members later in August.

Another one of McCue’s ideas presented to the board was the utilization of prison inmates for painting and roadside cleanup through the Plymouth County Sheriff’s Project Labor Community Service Program, which raised a few eyebrows on the board.

“I’m just not sure I want the inmates to know where the Town of Rochester is,” said Selectman Richard Nunes, eliciting laughter throughout the room.

Also during the meeting, the board approved the warrant for the special state primary election slated for November 9, and also approved the request from the Rochester Board of Assessors to issue preliminary tax bills for fiscal year 2015.

In other matters, the board appointed Cheryl Hebert to the Old Rochester Regional School Committee with ORR School Committee Chairman Jim O’Brien present, and reappointed Kathleen McHenry as the Town’s assistant accountant.

The board approved the liquor license for Matt’s Blackboard, and accepted the resignation of Cynthia Underhill from the Rochester Historical Commission.

A dog hearing for Liberal and Melinda Texeira of 368 North Avenue scheduled for that night was continued until August 25. The hearing pertains to complaints that the dogs living on the property have “interfered with the quiet, peaceful enjoyment of others, constituting a nuisance” in violation of the law.

The next Rochester Board of Selectmen meeting is August 25 at 6:30 pm at Town Hall.

By Jean Perry

Quahogging with the BBC

on August 13, 2014

Last Saturday was beautiful – hot and sunny with a slight breeze blowing a few lazy clouds through the sky. It was the perfect beach day, or, for those feeling a little more adventurous, the perfect day to learn to quahog.

The Buzzards Bay Coalition provided this opportunity to learn all about the basics of quahogging to locals for free through its Bay Adventures series.

Late Saturday morning, on August 9, participants were invited to the Mattapoisett Beach at Camp Massasoit for a Quahogging 101.

Of the roughly 30 people who arrived, only a couple had experience quahogging. Still, as one elderly participant happily pointed out, “You’re never too old to learn something new.” Likewise, the Coalition representatives were happy to teach.

“Quahogging in general is just something that embraces the culture of Buzzards Bay,” said Meghan Gahm, an outdoor educator from the Buzzards Bay Coalition. “It tends to give a motivation to help protect the bay and keep it clean as well, which is one of the things that we promote at the Buzzards Bay Coalition.”

Gahm began Saturday’s event by explaining a quahog’s habitat and the tools used to fish for them. These shellfish bury themselves just below the sand, allowing one to dig for them using a small rake. The shellfish rakes often have baskets attached to them, making it easier to filter the quahogs out of the sand.

“An hour before and after low tide is when it’s the best to go out there,” said Gahm.

Gahm added that the day’s fishing would be a “dig and release” event, unless participants had a Mattapoisett shellfish permit. Each town has separate regulations, locations, and permits for shellfishing.

According to the Mattapoisett website, a shellfish permit for a Mattapoisett resident is just $25. For a Marion or Rochester resident, the cost to shellfish in Mattapoisett is $35. For all other non-residents, the cost is $135. These permits are valid for one year, except for senior citizens who receive a gold permit button that remains valid for the lifetime of the owner.

Gahm explained that Mattapoisett has four locations open to shellfishing, each specifically marked on maps available on the Town’s website. Those with a permit may fish in these locations, filling up to one peck basket of quahogs per week.

This is how the town prevents overfishing, discussed Buzzards Bay Coalition restoration ecologist Sara de Silva Quintal later on. They only allow a certain number of permits per year, and they limit the amount of fishing per permit. This, plus the monitoring of commercial fishing, lets the town create an estimate of the bay’s quahog population. With this information, they may close certain areas to shellfishing to allow for restoration. The town may also close an area if it is polluted, as the pollutants can infect the shellfish and make a person sick.

Thus, the regulations look out for the health of both land and bay residents. To aid the quahog population, the size of the quahogs allowed to be taken is regulated. Those with a permit to shellfish must have a gauge – a metal rectangle with a one-inch by two-inch rectangle cut out in the center. If the quahog fits through the center rectangle, it is too small to be taken and must be released. Quahogs take about three years to get to the proper size for shellfishing, but they can live up to 40 years.

After all information was relayed and questions were answered, the quahogging tools were passed out. The Buzzards Bay Coalition provided rakes, water shoes, and a couple peck baskets to those participating. Everyone headed into the water, eager to put their new knowledge to use. While some waded up to their waist in the low tide, those with young kids preferred to stay close to shore, discovering crabs and oysters along with some small quahogs.

“If they’re smiling that’s all we really care about,” laughed Gahm, speaking of the kids participating. “For them to just get out with their families and do something different, be in the water, be aware of the area that’s around them.”

This is not the Coalition’s first successful quahogging event; they started having these events in 2012 and continue them due to the great response they receive.

“We had a lot of interest for this program,” said Gahm. “We probably had around 100 inquiries for it, which is great. People want to get out there and learn to quahog, so we’ll hopefully be having many of these in the future.”

The Coalition has more Bay Adventures planned before the summer ends, including a trip to Penikese Island. More information on the Coalition and these events can be found at www.savebuzzardsbay.org/BayAdventures.

By Renae Reints

Sprague’s Cove Response

on August 13, 2014

To the Editor:

The controversy regarding the Sprague’s Cove Stormwater Remediation Project has resulted in a number of letters to the editor that have often contained erroneous and/or at best misleading information. In the lines that follow, I have tried to address the more troubling of these accusations.

Accusation: The stormwater system was removed by the Conservation Commission.

Fact: The stormwater system was not removed; invasive species on the periphery were removed.

Accusation: The integrity of the working stormwater system should not be sacrificed.

Fact: The integrity of the stormwater system has not been sacrificed. The earthworks have been protected from further deterioration by the continued growth of invasive species.

Accusation: Sprague’s Cove is a precious or valuable resource.

Fact: Sprague’s Cove is first and foremost an engineered stormwater remediation structure designed to protect the harbor from contamination. While Sprague’s Cove also provides other benefits, these are secondary to its designed function.

Accusation: The Conservation Commission did not preserve and protect natural open space.

Fact: Sprague’s Cove is not natural and it is not open space. It is an engineered stormwater remediation structure constructed in historic dredge spoils.

Accusation: Sprague’s Cove needs saving.

Fact: Sprague’s Cove needs to be saved from encroachment by invasive species through consistent maintenance. Prior to their removal, invasive species had destroyed the diversity of native vegetation that provided preferred habitat and wildlife food production.

Accusation: The clearing destroyed vegetation originally provided by contributions and grants.

Fact: The original vegetation was destroyed by the infestation of invasive species.

Accusation: The Conservation Commission destroyed a habitat used by turtles and waterfowl.

Fact: The original native vegetation had a secondary benefit creating habitat for turtles and birds. The Phragmites that replaced the native vegetation significantly reduced the habitat value.

Accusation: The Marion Open Space Acquisition Committee (MOSAC) has the experience and expertise to continue maintenance of invasive species.

Fact: The Chairman of MOSAC stated on Town Meeting floor that there was no point in treating invasive species – they will only grow back. While this may reflect only the viewpoint of its Chair, this position makes it difficult to accept the assertion that MOSAC would maintain Sprague’s Cove.

Accusation: The Conservation Commission is asking for $12,000 annually.

Fact: The Conservation Commission requested $12K for Sprague’s Cove and other parcels. It was not an annual request.

Accusation: The treatment of invasive species is pointless – they will only grow back.

Fact: I have not found any experts that support this assertion. Invasive species can be controlled by consistent maintenance, in much the way a garden requires regular weeding.

Like many people in Marion, I am concerned with the maintenance of the town’s character, most importantly the preservation of its open spaces, shoreline and wetlands. Maintenance almost always involves action. In this specific case, that action is the removal and control of aggressively invasive plant species. If unchecked these plants, none native to Marion, threaten to destroy our woods, our wetlands and in the case of Sprague’s Cove our engineered stormwater treatment structures.

Jeff Doubrava

Member, Marion Conservation Commission

The views expressed in the “Letters to the Editor” column are not necessarily those of The Wanderer, its staff or advertisers. The Wanderer will gladly accept any and all correspondence relating to timely and pertinent issues in the great Marion, Mattapoisett and Rochester area, provided they include the author’s name, address and phone number for verification. We cannot publish anonymous, unsigned or unconfirmed submissions. The Wanderer reserves the right to edit, condense and otherwise alter submissions for purposes of clarity and/or spacing considerations. The Wanderer may choose to not run letters that thank businesses, and The Wanderer has the right to edit letters to omit business names. The Wanderer also reserves the right to deny publication of any submitted correspondence.

Board Pulls a 180 in Traffic Talks

on August 13, 2014

Discussion over traffic concerns appeared to do doughnuts, with board members’ tires spinning, and agreement among the board stalled on August 12 over access for a proposed filling station on Cranberry Highway.

Two separate but related public hearings wound up being continued after over two hours of pushing and pulling between board members and with the applicants as well. Rochester Crossroads LLC and Colbea Enterprises, both with shared representatives, tried their best to alleviate some board members’ concerns over trucks turning into a tight squeeze of a turn onto an access road, which, at first, took two steps backwards before two subsequent steps forward as the parties inched closer to a consensus among the board.

First up was Rochester Crossroads, addressing some drainage concerns and lack of a buffer zone between the commercial and abutting residential zone with the board, which quickly escalated to the main issue at hand: traffic logistics and big trucks.

The discussion turned away from where the board left off at the last meeting, when talk focused mostly on vehicles exiting the proposed gas station/convenience store/coffee shop and taking an illegal left turn despite signage and an obstructing curb. The focus was now on trucks using an access road that Rochester Crossroads will have built to accommodate the new filling station.

Board member Susan Teal was against the buffer zone waivers Rochester Crossroads was seeking, saying that the regulations for buffer zones existed before the proposed plan, so the company should seek to comply with the rules now, rather than ask for waivers. Board member John DeMaggio concurred with Teal, asking, why do we have rules and regulations if the board is just going to grant waivers for them?

And regarding the buffer zone, the abutting residential property line is still under dispute with the landowner’s heirs, although Rochester Crossroads’ attorney, Rich Serkey, assured the board that he had in his possession the deed with the actual property lines represented.

“We have the buffer zone and we have it for a reason,” stated Chairman Arnold Johnson, who later admitted that he could not be persuaded to support the project and commented that he would somehow get himself out of having to vote on the matter.

Talk went back and forth between the buffer zone and widening the opening for trucks turning onto the access road. Board member Michael Murphy was first to point out that talk was headed toward widening the entrance for trucks turning into the access road that trucks are prohibited from entering in the first place.

“Not practical and difficult to enforce,” Teal read from a letter from the engineering consultant for the Town, Ken Motta, regarding the turn radius of the access road.

Serkey suggested the board close the public hearing for Rochester Crossroads, saying the traffic flow for the gas station was a Colbea matter, but not without more internal arguing among board members over the matter.

When Colbea came up, representative Mark Smith took the stage, going over the general plans for the filling station, attempting to fill in some blanks for the board regarding frequency of trucks entering the site and truck movement within the site. Johnson disagreed with Smith’s assertion that having a coffee shop drive-thru onsite would not increase traffic congestion. At that, Johnson suggested getting an independent traffic engineer to look it over, calling it “critical.”

One of the managers from Colbea, Andrew Delli Carpini, said his family has been building convenience stores and gas stations for some time, and he knows that the site would have no issues with traffic flow or congestion and the site is large enough, ideal even, for the filling station based on the company’s 21 years of experience.

“We know gas stations,” said Carpini. “I think the project will flow nicely.”

The board listened to a presentation of the traffic study done on the site, which led to a lot of “what if” questions, especially from Johnson. He posed several hypothetical traffic scenarios before Murphy finally spoke out, giving a real jumpstart to the discussion.

“I think a lot of this is bull,” said Murphy at the start of his diatribe, intercepting a few yawns from some board members. He said he has been in the trucking business for 46 years and he is well acquainted with that stretch of road, specifically mentioning how trucks do not have problems turning into the 7-Eleven across the street. He was opposed to widening the access road opening, and he said a tractor-trailer driver knows better to wait until cars clear the site before pulling into it. He said that there are very few accidents involving all the hypothetical scenarios.

“I know, I do the towing,” added Murphy. “The bottom line is … we want these guys to jump through hoops. And that’s bull.”

Carpini jumped in to reassure the board, “My name’s going to be on [this project].” He said he would not associate his name with traffic gaffes or safety hazards.

Soon, talk completely switched gears toward narrowing the access road opening to inhibit trucks from entering. Johnson asserted that the Town’s own engineer was adamantly against a narrow opening, and Johnson was soon in the minority in favor of the wider opening. A heated debate between Murphy and Johnson ensued until Engineer Phil Cordeiro took the wheel and drove the discussion home.

Why not the 36-inch wider opening, Cordeiro posed the question.

“Because truck drivers are very clever,” he stated. If truck drivers want to get into that access road they will find a way, and widening the opening will only encourage them.

Cordeiro addressed “what ifs” over traffic flow and congestion, especially during peak times, using an analogy of planning a parking lot for a new church.

“You don’t design it for Easter morning,” said Cordeiro, especially if on the other 51 Sundays that year there are only ten people attending church. “This [access road] is really the secondary entrance to the site.”

“I’m gonna get out of voting on this,” said Johnson, “but I still don’t agree.” He said he could not be talked out of his opposition, although he sees the other board members’ points.

The matter was continued until August 26, the next meeting of the Rochester Planning Board.

By Jean Perry

Rochester Grange Agricultural Fair

on August 12, 2014

The 104th Annual Grange Agricultural Fair will be held Saturday, August 16 from 1:30 – 7:00 pm. A Ham & Bean Supper will be held at 6:00 pm followed by an auction of produce, etc. from the fair. Our Fair books and posters have been out for a while, disappearing almost as fast as they were dropped off. The Fair committee hopes that it’s a good sign and that gardeners and crafters are preparing to enter and show off what they have grown this summer or have made during the past year.

To enter, bring your entries to the Grange Hall at 205 Hartley Rd. on Friday, August 15 between 2:00 and 4:00 pm or in the evening between 7:00 and 8:30 pm. All rules are in the green Fair Book. If you can’t find one or have a question, please call Sue at 508-295-8908 or email sash48@comcast.net. The Fair is open to ALL AGES. Bring your entries and get your friends to bring theirs. Friendly competition is the key and is always fun.

The Grange looks forward to once again spot lighting our local agriculture and handcrafts and as always, seeing our many old friends and we hope, many new ones as well. And yes, the Country Fair is down the road, so stop by the Grange on your way to Pine St. Remember, the Fair is free and opens at 1:30 pm.

Thank You from the Mattapoisett Lions Club

on August 12, 2014

Dear Editor:

The grass has greened up again in Shipyard Park, the tents, trailers and all visible signs of our presence are long gone. Before the memories fade, I want to thank all those who volunteered their time and skills to making this past year’s Harbor Days a huge success.

During the planning of this year’s event, we had an ambitious goal to make this the best Harbor Days ever. We changed the physical layout, hoping to allow the breeze to flow more freely through all areas of the park. We added new events such as the Friday Night Fish Fry, Mattapoisett Fire Department demonstration, the showing of the movie On Golden Pond, featuring a talk by the author and the Oscar he won for it and of course, the World Series trophy was on display making many smiles on faces of young and old fans.

All these changes created many additional hurdles for us to overcome in preparation for the big weekend. One of the biggest hurdles is staffing all these events. There are fewer Lions to staff these events and those that are available are not any younger making staffing a real challenge. We reached out to the Mattapoisett Woman’s Club and other town organizations, to nearby Lions clubs, friends and family looking for volunteers. This is unfamiliar territory for us, as we are usually providing assistance to the community not the other way around. The response was truly amazing: Members the Woman’s Club volunteered as well as members of the Rochester, New Bedford, Fairhaven and Bridgewater Lions Clubs. Without the support of the community, from the businesses that advertise in the book, The Hollywood Scoop, last-minute sponsor of the new Friday Night Fish Fry, Toyota of Dartmouth/Check Collision, sponsor of all the entertainment and finally, the throngs of shoppers, this event would not have happened.

I also want to thank the ORR Football Team for getting to the park at 6:00 am Saturday morning to help vendors unload their vans; the Selectmen, who have always been supportive; the Council On Aging, providing the shuttle service between the park and remote parking; to Barry Denham and his crew at the Highway Department for moving the trailers and emptying the dumpsters; to the Mattapoisett Police Department for their help with security and traffic; to Jill Simmons, our new Harbormaster and her crew; to ABC Disposal for again providing the single stream recycling totes you saw all over the park. Without their support, year after year, we would not be able to do we do best, which is summed up by our motto “We Serve”.

Thank you,

Donald Bamberger

Immediate past President

Mattapoisett Lions Club

Weather Watch Wednesday

on August 12, 2014

The weather’s not looking good for Wednesday. The National Weather Service has issued a flash flood watch for the area for all day Wednesday as they are expecting heavy rains. Thunderstorms are expected to accompany the rain and there is the potential for heavy rain of 1 to 2 inches per hour ate times. Those who do have to travel outside their homes on Wednesday should be cautious while travelling and avoid flooded areas.

Dorothy (Brass) DeLorenzo

on August 12, 2014

Dorothy (Brass) DeLorenzo, 86, former owner of the Chadwick Inn in Edgartown, Martha’s Vineyard, died peacefully Tues. Aug. 12th, 2014 at the Kindred Walden House in Concord, MA. A resident of Marion, she was the beloved wife of the late Eugene J. DeLorenzo.

Born in Niagara Falls, Ontario, she was the daughter of the late Maurice and Mary Glenn McLean Brass. First employed with the telephone company in Canada, she was an Acton, MA resident for 15 years and worked at General Radio for a time. The DeLorenzos then owned and operated the Chadwick Inn in Edgartown for 20 years before retiring. In later years they resided in Marion where Mrs. DeLorenzo was a devoted, active member and extraordinary minister at St. Rita’s Church, and was a recipient of the Marian Medal.

A dog lover and excellent cook, Mrs. DeLorenzo was intelligent, creative and artistic. She was a talented seamstress, making a wedding dress for her sister, and slipcovers, upholstery and beautiful applique quilts and blankets for family and friends. She enjoyed working in watercolors and stained glass, and in her younger years she received an award for her singing. She loved to keep busy.

Mrs. DeLorenzo is survived by two daughters: Elaine Lawson, and Barbara Perry and her husband, Steven; daughter-in-law Barbara Lawson; grandsons Alfred F. DeCesare and Samuel S. Lawson; great-grandsons Derek and Dylan DeCesare; brothers Richard, William and Peter and a sister Mary; as well as many nieces, nephews and their families. She was the mother of the late Patrick J. Lawson, grandmother of the late Patrick A. DeCesare, Jr., and sister of the late James and Joan.

Family and friends are invited to the funeral Mass to be celebrated Sat. Aug. 16th at 10:00am in St. Rita’s Church, 113 Front Street, Marion. Burial will follow in St. Bernard’s Cemetery, Bedford Street, Concord, MA at approximately 1:00pm. There are no visiting hours. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made in Mrs. DeLorenzo’s name to St. Rita’s Church, 113 Front St, Marion, MA. 02738. Memorial page at www.actonfuneralhome.com

SHS Musical Matinees

on August 11, 2014

This August, beat the mid-day heat with Sippican Historical Society’s Musical Matinees. On Thursday, August 14, Gene Kelly, Debbie Reynolds and Donald O’Connor star in the 1952 musical, Singin’ in the Rain. Set during the advent of “talkies,” Don Lockwood (played by Gene Kelly) has risen to stardom during Hollywood’s silent-movie era, and pairs with the stunning but simple-minded Lina Lamont (Jean Hagen). Things get complicated for the silent film production company and cast as they make a difficult transition to sound, adding new performers to the mix. Kelly wore three hats in the light-hearted film, as co-director, co-star and co-choreographer. Singin’ in the Rain topped the American Film Institute’s 100 Years of Musicals list, and is ranked as the fifth greatest American motion picture of all time in AFI’s 2007 list of the greatest American films.

Musical Matinees (which will also include On the Town on Tuesday, August 19 and An American in Paris on Thursday, August 28) will be held in the Front Room of the Marion Music Hall and will begin at 11:00 am. The films are offered free to the public, with no registration required. Attendees are encouraged to bring a lunch and beverage to enjoy during the film.

Calling All Bakers!

on August 11, 2014

If your friends and family say that you make a great pie, then come and let us be the judge of that! Come and bring your pie-making skills to the Pie Bake Off contest at the Rochester Country Fair, located at 65 Pine Street in tranquil Rochester. This year’s pie contest will be held on August 17 at 2:00 pm under the Big Tent donated by Chase Canopy Company.

Participants will be judged in two categories: single or double crust. The judging will be done by a professional pastry chef, a culinary chef and hometown pie guru. Judging of the pies includes presentation, taste, texture of the filling, and the flakiness of their crust.

Winners in each category will receive ribbons indicating their accomplishment of first, second or third place. One Honorable mention in each category will also be given out. To enter the pie contest, entrants must fill out an application located in the program book or visit www.rochesterma.com to print one out.

Please mail application to Duarte Raposo, 3 Bernards Way, Rochester MA, 02770 by Wednesday August 13, 2014. All recipes must include title of pie, recipe, method of preparation and any allergy items used.

Come and enjoy a family fun day at the Rochester Country Fair See you there!